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amiss

adjective

/əˈmɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of amiss

Not in its usual or expected state, suggesting that something is wrong or out of order.
"She felt something was amiss in the way he was acting."

Detailed meaning of amiss

When we say that something is amiss, we are indicating that there is a problem, an error, or a sense of disarray, although the exact nature of the issue might not be immediately evident. It suggests a feeling of suspicion or unease, prompting further investigation or attention to rectify the perceived problem. For example, if someone's behavior seems amiss, it might imply that their actions are unusual or inappropriate, warranting scrutiny or concern. In essence, "amiss" serves as a subtle warning that something may be off-kilter or awry and needs closer examination or correction.

Example sentences containing amiss

1. The sudden silence in the bustling city streets felt amiss.
2. Her absence from the family gathering raised suspicions that something was amiss.
3. The malfunctioning alarm system signaled that all was not amiss.
4. The chef detected a strange taste in the dish, indicating that the recipe might be amiss.
5. The teacher sensed that the student's behavior was amiss and inquired.
6. The detective knew there was something amiss when he arrived at the crime scene.

History and etymology of amiss

The adjective 'amiss' has an etymology rooted in Old English and Middle English. It originated from the Old English phrase 'on mis,' where 'on' meant 'in' or 'into,' and 'mis' meant 'wrong' or 'bad.' Over time, these words evolved and merged into the single word 'amiss' in Middle English, which came to mean 'in a wrong or bad manner' or 'out of the ordinary or expected state.' Therefore, when we explore the etymology of 'amiss,' we find its essence in the idea of something not being in its usual or expected state, suggesting that something is wrong or out of order. This historical connection highlights its role in indicating when something is not as it should be, arousing suspicion or concern about a deviation from the norm.

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Further usage examples of amiss

1. The company's financial reports hinted that something might be amiss.
2. The eerie stillness of the haunted house left us feeling that all was amiss.
3. The strange noise in the attic suggested that something was amiss.
4. The toddler's uncontrollable crying indicated that he felt something was amiss.
5. The misplaced documents left the office in chaos, and employees knew something was amiss.
6. The disheveled appearance of the room told her that her brother had been up to something amiss.
7. The pilot's uneasy feeling signaled that there might be something amiss with the plane.
8. The broken window at the store suggested that a break-in had occurred and all was amiss.
9. The politician's sudden change in stance left the public feeling that something was amiss.
10. The dog's behavior was unusual, and the owner suspected something was amiss.
11. The empty cookie jar was a clear sign that a midnight snack had gone amiss.
12. The missing chapter in the book made readers suspect something was amiss with the manuscript.
13. The absence of the ship from the harbor was a sure sign that something was amiss.
14. The phone call at that hour seemed amiss and made her anxious.
15. He noticed something amiss in the financial report.
16. He found it amiss that the company wasn't following safety regulations.
17. She couldn't put her finger on what was amiss, but something felt off.
18. He thought something was amiss with the political situation.
19. She noticed something amiss in the patient's symptoms.
20. He found it amiss that the company wasn't following environmental regulations.
21. She felt something amiss in the situation and decided to investigate.
22. He found it amiss that the company wasn't following labor laws.
23. She noticed something amiss in her neighbor's behavior and became suspicious.
24. He thought something was amiss in the way the government was handling the crisis.
25. She found it amiss that the company wasn't following ethical standards.